Menopause, along with the 7-14 years leading to it known as perimenopause, are natural phases in life that impact every woman.
During this transition, various symptoms can emerge, including sleep disturbances, discomfort during intimacy, hormonal fluctuations, and night sweats. Hot flashes, a common manifestation, can exacerbate these challenges. According to Dr. Rebecca Thurston, a menopause researcher at the University of Pittsburgh, “Around 80% of women will experience hot flashes during menopause or the transition phase.”
What Are Hot Flashes?
Hot flashes are sudden surges of intense heat, primarily felt in the neck, chest, and face. Dr. Ruta Nonacs, a reproductive psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital, describes the experience as one that often includes “facial flushing” and “sweating.” When hot flashes occur during sleep, they are referred to as night sweats.
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Often, hot flashes may come with additional symptoms such as anxiety, reddened skin, rapid heartbeat, and in some instances, chills as the heat subsides. These episodes can strike any time of day or night, typically lasting from one to two minutes.
What Causes Hot Flashes?
The primary cause of hot flashes is hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause, as explained by Dr. Thurston. The sudden decrease in reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone affects the brain’s temperature control centers, leading the body to expel heat through sweating.
Certain medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections, migraines, neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, as well as inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can also trigger hot flashes. Additionally, some medications, particularly those that influence hormone levels, may induce these symptoms.
How to Alleviate Hot Flashes
There are several approaches to managing hot flashes, including medical treatments.
Dr. Nonacs notes that gabapentin, while not originally designed for this purpose, has proven effective for managing hot flashes. Other antidepressant medications and non-hormonal treatments can also provide relief. In 2023, the FDA approved an oral medication, Veozah (fezolinetant), specifically for treating moderate to severe hot flashes. Low-dose estrogen replacement therapy is also available for those experiencing severe symptoms or when other treatments fall short.
Lifestyle modifications can also play a key role. Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, an OB-GYN and clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, suggests several simple yet effective strategies. These include wearing layers, managing stress levels, maintaining a healthy weight, steering clear of known triggers such as alcohol and spicy foods, and ensuring a cool sleeping environment.
In addition, herbal remedies and supplements like Remifemin, Relizan, and Thermella may provide additional support.
